We decided to head south for Day 3. Our first stop was the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which is located at the northern end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The current lighthouse was constructed from 1871-1872, with the keeper’s quarters built soon after.

As with everything on the Outer Banks, the historic sites themselves are beautiful but 9 times out of 10 the view is even better. Due to the pandemic we couldn’t climb the lighthouse but there is a boardwalk that takes you out to the marsh. In the morning light it was peaceful and lovely.

It was hard to imagine topping this natural beauty but our next stop was easily my favorite of the entire trip. Continuing south on Highway 12 you cross over to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. We stopped at the visitors center only to discover it was closed for renovations but we noticed that other people who had stopped were following a trail from the parking lot.

On the other side of the thicket (pictured above) we walked out onto a wide open trail with huge ponds on either side. They have the boring names of North Pond and South Pond but they were FULL of all kinds of birds. Come to find out, these ponds are manmade, managed wetlands that were created solely for shorebirds and migrating birds.

There were only a handful of people on the trail so all you could hear were the birds splashing and calling to each other. We were in awe of the beauty. My pictures will never do it justice but I hope one day you’ll make the trip to experience this in person.

Knowing we had more places we wanted to visit we finally had to tear ourselves away from our new bird friends and head back to the car. Continuing south we passed through the small towns of Rodanthe, Salvo, and Avon before arriving in Buxton. Continuing our lighthouse tour, we visited the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The lighthouse located there today was first lit in 1870. It received its famous white and black stripe daymark pattern in 1873. Many of you may know it, though, because of its famous move in 1999. Due to significant beach erosion the lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet further inland in 23 days to its present location. The Double Keepers’ Quarters, the Principal Keeper’s Quarters, the dwelling cisterns, and the oil house were all relocated with the lighthouse. You can read more about this fascinating move here: https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/historyculture/movingthelighthouse.htm.

After all the sightseeing and walking we were ready for lunch. We drove a little further south to the town of Hatteras. It’s the last stop on this island because you have to take a ferry to get to Ocracoke Island. We decided to check out Sonny’s Waterfront Restaurant. Cecil had a blackened mahi wrap and I had a crab cake sandwich. Both excellent!

With our appetites satiated we turned back north for Kill Devil Hills. On our way back we stopped in Buxton to pick up a coffee for me. Dillon’s Corner has something for everyone – from fishing supplies to souvenirs. I ordered a mocha latte from their coffee bar. I really enjoyed the store but the latte was average.

I know it’s hard to imagine, but by the time we arrived back at the hotel we were ready for a nap. After relaxing for a few hours we walked around the local Belk department store and then went to dinner at Chili Peppers Grill & Pupuseria. I had a shrimp pupusas (way bigger than I thought it would be) and Cecil had the El Diablo burger. Service was great but the food was average.

Day 4 – We take a break from the sightseeing and stay close to home…